DePaul seeks eighth straight home win against struggling Providence
- Providence Friars achieved a comeback victory over the DePaul Blue Demons in a Big East game.
- Key performances included 20 points from Bensley Joseph and 19 points from Bryce Hopkins, leading Providence.
- The defeat marked the end of DePaul's seven-game home winning streak.
On December 10, 2024, in Chicago, the Providence Friars faced the DePaul Blue Demons in an intense Big East Conference opener. The game, held at DePaul's home court, showcased a competitive atmosphere as both teams fought hard for an early-season victory. DePaul entered the matchup seeking to maintain an impressive home win streak, having achieved seven consecutive victories on their turf, while Providence aimed to set their season on the right track after a challenging start. In a tightly contested game, Providence managed to rally in the second half, overcoming a halftime deficit of 30-27. The Friars, led by standout performances from Bensley Joseph and Bryce Hopkins, executed a late-game surge that proved decisive. Joseph contributed significantly with 20 points, along with seven assists, while Hopkins added 19 points and secured 10 rebounds. Their combined efforts propelled Providence to an 8-0 run late in the game, allowing them to secure a commanding 68-61 lead with only seconds remaining on the clock. DePaul, despite displaying resilience, could not close the gap and ultimately succumbed to a 70-63 defeat in overtime. David Skogman was the leading scorer for DePaul, netting 22 points and grabbing six rebounds, while teammate Jacob Meyer added another 12 points. The Blue Demons showcased considerable offensive capability this season, averaging 84.8 points per game; however, they struggled to match Providence's late-game energy and execution. Following this game, Providence improved their overall record to 7-4, while DePaul’s record fell to 7-2. The match served as an essential reminder of the competitiveness of the Big East Conference. With both teams striving to establish themselves in a season filled with promise, this thrilling encounter set the stage for future matchups while highlighting the talents of players like Joseph and Hopkins. As the season unfolds, both teams will look to learn from this experience and aim to improve their standings in their respective campaigns.